Content Appraisal as a Method for Measuring the Effectiveness & Usability of Online Content

Nadeau, Jenifer; Heidorn, Neely; Broady, Nick; Whittle, Jennifer

Journal of Extension, v50 n4 Article 4TOT3 Aug 2012

Content appraisal is a simple, qualitative system to identify modifications to make website material more useful to clientele. This system provides a comprehensive evaluation of content, focuses on content strategy, identifies weaknesses, and provides recommendations for improvement. The criteria examined included knowledge level, interrelatedness, relevance, usability, actionability, and differentiation. HorseQuest, a pioneer Community of Practice (CoP) for eXtension, was the first to apply a content appraisal process in an attempt to document the efficacy and impact of their web content. This appraisal system can be effectively used by other groups to help improve a website's usefulness to clientele.